UN coordinator wants end to Mideast stalemate

The U.N. special coordinator for the Middle East peace process says the Arab-Israeli conflict is not immune to the popular protests and political change sweeping the Arab world.

Robert Serry told the Security Council on Thursday that a "meaningful political initiative" to resolve the stalemate between the Palestinians and the Israelis is needed before September, the U.S.-stipulated deadline for the outlines of a peace deal.

Serry has also briefed the council on the details of the recent Palestinian reconciliation agreement.

The special coordinator has also noted that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is following with concern reports about possible new aid flotillas to Gaza that could "provoke unnecessary confrontations."